Sights set on success

In 2017, after a decade of losses and reputation-damaging disasters, Malaysia Airlines was on the verge of bankruptcy.

But almost a decade later, it has delivered its fourth consecutive year of substantial operating profit.

And, while the conflict in the Middle East has heavily impacted the global airline industry, it is benefiting many Asian carriers as they turn to Asian and Australian markets.

Malaysia Airlines is gaining traction in the premium cabin as travellers look for alternatives to Qatar Airways and Emirates.

The ultimate aim of Malaysia Airlines’ Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, which started this year, is for the airline to be in Skytrax’s Top 10 Global Airlines by 2030. It was 27th when the plan was announced.

It aims to achieve this by enhancing customer service experience, operational reliability and upgrading its fleet. The Malaysia Aviation Group has employed an additional 2000 staff over the past four years of profitability, with plans to continue growing its team.

Australia has benefited from a fleet expansion of 22 new-generation aircraft. All cities except Perth have new Airbus A330neo flying to and from Kuala Lumpur from August 2026.

FUELLING SPECULATION

Reliability and fuel security are a big roadblock for expanding airlines as the world continues to face an uncertain future.

But Malaysia Airlines has a secret weapon — Petronas.

Petronas is Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company, working in partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group to keep the global fuel crisis from affecting their brand.

Petronas can provide undisturbed fuel supply to Malaysia Aviation Group through their efforts in making Sustainable Aviation Fuel which Malaysia Airlines began using in September 2025.

It is an important step not only towards the country’s goal to be net-zero by 2050, but also in offering reliability to Malaysia Airlines customers.

+ Ella George was a guest of Malaysia Airlines. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.